Water rescuers deserve high praise

Thumbs up to 18-year-old Sydney Snow, a lifeguard at Wallis Sands State Park in Rye. On Thursday, she saved two children on boogie boards who got themselves into a dangerous situation.

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seacoastonline.com

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Posted Aug. 16, 2014 at 2:00 AM

Posted Aug. 16, 2014 at 2:00 AM

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Thumbs up to 18-year-old Sydney Snow, a lifeguard at Wallis Sands State Park in Rye. On Thursday, she saved two children on boogie boards who got themselves into a dangerous situation.

The children had gone out beyond the breaking waves and were being pulled deeper by strong winds, according to Ken Loughlin, manager of the state park.

"They were really scared and didn't know what to do," Snow said. "It took a long time to get them in."

Loughlin said the rescue took about 25 minutes. He cited a storm that was "swirling around the Gulf of Maine ... stirring things up" along with a full moon and high tide.

Lifeguards then posted red caution flags, advising that people not go in the water past their knees. It was a great effort by Snow and a smart response by Loughlin and his team. Thumbs up go to lifeguards at all Seacoast beaches. They spend their summers keeping us safe.

Speaking of water rescues, thumbs up to the Hampton firefighters who rescued a 34-year-old man who found himself in peril on Tuesday evening while fishing atop rocks off Sun Valley Beach.

The rescue came in the dark and a strong current tore swim fins off firefighter Seth Butler's feet, according to Deputy Fire Chief Jamie Ayotte. Butler and firefighter Sean Murray swam to rescue the man as firefighter Matt Cray operated the rescue boat, which was captained by Lt. Sean Gannon. Butler was tethered to the boat as he swam to the rocks.

Ayotte said Tuesday's rescue was the eighth in the last 14 months by the Hampton Fire Department, which was assisted Tuesday by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Ayotte urged the public to take caution when swimming in the ocean, to avoid activities in the ocean at night and to avoid entering dangerous water conditions.

Thumbs up to Portsmouth welfare director Ellen Tully and everyone who is supporting her effort to provide school supplies for students in need.

More than 100 children received assistance from the program last year and school begins later this month.

"In the past, I've been able to give every kid who comes through the door a backpack and I focus on that because it's the one most-expensive item that kids need for back to school," Tully said. Pens, pencils, three-ring binders, notebooks and other items are also needed.

Donations are accepted at the welfare office in City Hall during business hours. The Portsmouth Fire Department's three stations are serving as 24-hour drop-off points, too.

Those who need supplies or would like to donate can get information by calling Tully at 610-7267 or e-mailing etully@cityofports mouth.com.

Thumbs up to LTC Partners, which donated $150,000 this week to Veterans Count, which provides emergency assistance to veterans and their families.

Veterans Count was formed in 2007 in partnership with Easter Seals of New Hampshire, the New Hampshire National Guard and the state Department of Health and Human Services.

The donation was announced Tuesday in a fantastic event held at LTC Partners' location at Pease International Tradeport.

Veterans Count provides immediate assistance to veterans and their families. Everyone in the country owes these people a great debt for their service and sacrifice.